Firearm noise and flash suppressor having ratcheted collet locking mechanism

ABSTRACT

A sound and flash suppressor having a tubular suppressor housing is releasably secured to a suppressor mounting adapter that is threaded to a firearm barrel. An annular locking collet is defined by a housing mounting adapter and has a plurality of spring collet fingers each having an internal ratcheted locking surface and being moveable to locking and release positions relative to an externally ratcheted locking surface of the suppressor mounting adapter A locking ring is supported by the suppressor mounting adapter and is rotatable for actuating the spring collet fingers to locking positions locking the tubular suppressor housing against loosening or separation movement relative to the suppressor mounting adapter. The locking ring is rotatable in a release direction permitting spring movement of the spring locking fingers to their release positions.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to firearms, particularlytactical rifles and more specifically concerns devices for suppressingthe loud and sharp noise that is typically emitted during firingactivity and for suppressing the flash of burning gunpowder that occursand can be seen by others during daylight and particularly at night orunder conditions of low light. More specifically, the present inventionconcerns mounting mechanisms for securing suppressor devices to thethreaded end of a firearm barrel and for simply and efficiently lockingsuppressor devices to minimize the potential for suppressor devicesbecoming loose and possibly falling free of a firearm barrel especiallyduring sustained firing activity.

Description of the Prior Art

A significant number of firearm sound suppressor devices and flashsuppressor devices, generally referred to as suppressors herein, havebeen developed over the years for use with firearms such as rifles,shotguns and handguns. In most cases the suppressors are attached to thebarrel of a firearm, such as by threaded attachment. In some casessuppressors are constructed integrally with a firearm barrel so as to bea permanent component of the firearm.

Typically, a suppressor comprises an elongate tubular body that attachesin any suitable manner to a firearm barrel and provides for the movementof a projectile from the bore of a firearm barrel and through thetubular body of the suppressor. To facilitate sound suppression a numberof internal baffles are typically positioned in stacked relation withina suppressor housing with baffle partitions disposed in axially spacedrelation within the housing and with central openings in each bafflepartition for projectile and propellant passage. A number of chambersthat are defined between the internal baffles, causing the propellantgas to progress in serial fashion through the multiple chambers, withits velocity being diminished as it progresses. The partitions of thebaffles are designed to reflect propellant gas and cause gas agitationwithin the chambers to slow the progress of gas transition through thesuppressor and increase the dwell time and reduce the typically sharpand loud noise of the propellant gas being discharged from thesuppressor. Propellant gas emitted from the bore of the barrel entersthe much larger volume of the internal chamber of the tubular body andprogresses serially from chamber to chamber, with the gas expanding andits pressure being diminished within each successive chamber.

When suppressors employ threaded connection between the variouscomponents the threads typically become fouled to the point that thethreaded connections become difficult to separate. When the firearm isfired the suppressor housing is subjected to significant internalpressure which causes minute separation of the threaded connections anddrive gunpowder residue into the threads, essentially causing locking ofthe threads which prevents them from being unthreaded, such as forcleaning. For this reason suppressors are typically manufactured bywelding which prevents assembly and disassembly for cleaning of internalresidue fouling and other service. When a welded suppressor device isemployed, repeated firing of the firearm typically causes continuousfouling of the baffles, chambers and threads of the suppressor byaccumulation of cartridge powder residue. Thus, when the threads of thesuppressor or the threads of a firearm barrel become fouled it may bedifficult or impossible to remove clean and reassemble the components ofa suppressor device. This undesirable characteristic is common to mosttypes of suppressors and represents a distinct disadvantage whenservicing firearm components during field conditions. It often becomesnecessary to return the suppressor to a repair or service facility toopen the compressor and clean away cartridge powder deposits. It isdesirable therefore, to provide a suppressor mechanism that effectivelyensures isolation of the threaded connections that secure the suppressorcomponents in assembly and at the same time provide for effectivestability and durability of the suppressor mechanism and its connectionwith a rifle barrel.

Another disadvantage of firearm suppressor use is the problem ofsuppressor instability and the potential for coaxial misalignment thatresults from the threaded connection of the suppressor to the barrel ofa firearm. The barrel of a firearm that is designed for attachment of amuzzle brake or suppressor is typically provided with a reduced diameterexternally threaded section that is of fairly short length. Aninternally threaded section of a typical suppressor attachment end wallis also typically fairly short, thus causing the threaded connection tohave minimal stability due to the typical length of the threadedconnection of the suppressor with the firearm barrel. Thus, due tolateral impacts or other conditions a suppressor may become axiallymisaligned to the point that the edge of a moving bullet may contact anedge of a bullet port and interfere with the accuracy of an otherwiseperfectly aimed shot. It is desirable to provide a suppressor mechanismthat is exceptionally stable as well as protecting the internal threadedcomponents from the undesirable characteristics of gunpowder residuebuildup and fouling. U.S. Pat. No. 8,511,425 of Mark C. LaRue shows asuppressor device that employs a flash hider type device as a structuralinterface with a tubular suppressor housing. The flash hider structureshown in the '425 patent has spaced, angulated external support surfacesthat are in engagement with corresponding spaced internal surfaces of ahousing mount. This feature adds materially to the structural integrityof the coupling mechanism for securing a suppressor to the threaded endof a firearm barrel.

Typical commercially available firearm noise suppressors have multiplecompartments within a single elongate, typically cylindrical tubularhousing and define a single gas flow path. The baffles that are spacedwithin the suppressor housing create back-pressure within the suppressorthat is relatively slow to be exhausted to the atmosphere. In many casessome residual gas pressure will remain within a suppressor at the timethe auto-cycling mechanism of a gas energized firearm causes unlockingof the bolt member and begins to extract a spent cartridge case from thecartridge chamber of the firearm. When this condition exists a smallamount of the residual propellant gas may be released from the bore ofthe firearm due to the back-pressure within the suppressor whenunseating of a cartridge case begins, thereby directing a small amountof residual propellant gas toward the user of the firearm. Thisundesirable condition is known as “blow-back”. The presence ofpropellant gas can be objectionable from the standpoint of the comfortof the user. It is desirable, therefore, to provide a firearm noise andflash suppressor that provides for enhanced propellant gas exhaust toensure optimum discharge of propellant gas and minimum gas exhaust dwelltime so that little if any residual propellant gas pressure existswithin the suppressor and firearm barrel when spent cartridge caseextraction begins.

Though most sound suppressors achieve significant reduction of soundemission, the presence of gunpowder flash being emitted from the forwardend of suppressors has continued to be a significant problem. Duringtactical rifle firing activities gunpowder flash is typically projectedabout a foot from the forward end of most suppressors because the ratherhigh internal pressure causes burning gunpowder to pass rapidly throughthe suppressor and to be projected from the suppressor before it iscompletely consumed. This flash is very bright and is readily seen byopposing personnel, thereby causing the opposing personnel to directrifle fire at the flash, resulting in significant danger to the firearmuser. It is desirable, therefore, to provide a sound suppressor forfirearms that minimizes internal propellant gas pressure and also servesas a flash suppressor by permitting sufficient dwell time to causecomplete combustion of the propellant within the suppressor housing sothat virtually no gunpowder flash occurs externally of the suppressor.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is a principal feature of the present invention to provide a novelfirearm having a barrel with a threaded muzzle to which is secured asuppressor mounting adapter for releasable attachment of a sound andflash suppressor device having a collet mechanism for releasably lockingthe suppressor against rotation relative to the mounting adapter toensure that the suppressor will not inadvertently become loosened orseparated from the firearm barrel by the vibration and shock forces offirearm use.

It is another feature of the present invention to provide a novel soundand flash suppressor device having a locking collet with spring lockingfingers that are moveable from release positions to locking positions bythe force applied by tightening a locking ring or member on thesuppressor. The spring locking fingers of the locking collet willinherently move by spring action from the locking positions to therelease positions upon loosening movement of the locking ring or member.

It is also a feature of the present invention to provide a novel soundand flash suppressor device having a locking collet mechanism with thespring locking fingers having roughened or ratcheted surfaces defined bymultiple ridges and grooves that engage corresponding roughened orratcheted surfaces of a suppressor mounting adapter to prevent looseningrotation of the suppressor relative to the suppressor mounting adapter,thus preventing loosening or separation of the suppressor due to thevibration and shock forces of firearm use.

Other and further objects and features of the present invention willbecome obvious to one skilled in the art upon a thorough understandingof the invention that is set forth in this specification.

Briefly, the various objects and features of the present invention arerealized through the provision of a sound and flash suppressor mechanismfor attachment to the threaded muzzle end of the barrel of a firearm. Asuppressor mounting adapter is threaded to the barrel, the mountingadapter having an externally threaded section located between spacedexternal annular tapered seals that protect the intermediate threadedsection from contamination by cartridge propellant debris that otherwisecan be forced into the threads by propellant pressure.

A tubular suppressor body or housing containing a plurality of annularpropellant gas processing baffles and spacer members, is in secureassembly with an annular housing mounting adapter that has releasableengagement with the suppressor mounting adapter. The housing mountingadapter has an internal threaded section that receives the externallythreaded section of the suppressor mounting adapter and spaced internalannular angulated sealing surfaces that have sealing engagement with thespaced external annular tapered seals of the suppressor mounting adapterwhen the suppressor is threaded thereto and properly seated.

The housing mounting adapter defines an annular array comprising aplurality of spring locking fingers that are moveable between lockingand release positions. A locking ring or member is threaded to thehousing mounting adapter and, when tightened, applies force to each ofthe spring locking fingers moving them to their locking positions inlocking engagement with a locking surface defined by an annular rim ofthe suppressor mounting adapter. When the locking ring is loosened thespring locking fingers will be moved by their inherent spring action totheir release positions, permitting rotation of the suppressor housingand housing mounting adapter relative to the suppressor mounting adapterfor unthreading and removing the suppressor from the suppressor mountingadapter.

A primary flow path is defined centrally of the suppressor housing forpropellant processing and discharge, the primary flow path terminatingat a central discharge opening of a front wall of the suppressorhousing. The suppressor mounting adapter, the internal baffles andspacer members cooperate with the internal surface of the tubularhousing to define a secondary propellant gas flow path which terminatesat secondary discharge openings of the front wall of the housing whichsurround the primary discharge opening. This feature causes a portion ofthe propellant gas energy to be diverted to the secondary flow path,thereby reducing the propellant gas pressure that would otherwise bepresent within the primary flow path and causing better attenuation ofthe sound and flash that is emitted at the primary discharge opening.The beneficial result is lower noise and minimal if any flash that isprojecting from the suppressor at each discharge of the firearm.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

So that the manner in which the above recited features, advantages andobjects of the present invention are attained and can be understood indetail, a more particular description of the invention, brieflysummarized above, may be had by reference to the preferred embodimentthereof which is illustrated in the appended drawings, which drawingsare incorporated as a part hereof.

It is to be noted however, that the appended drawings illustrate only atypical embodiment of this invention and are therefore not to beconsidered limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to otherequally effective embodiments.

In the Drawings:

FIG. 1 is an isometric illustration showing a sound and flash suppressorfor a firearm embodying the principles of the present invention, andshowing the suppressor being shown mounted to the barrel of a firearm;

FIG. 2 is a partial longitudinal section view showing the rear portionof the sound and flash suppressor of FIG. 1 and showing internalcomponents for mounting of the suppressor to a firearm barrel andmounting the suppressor housing relative to the mounting adapter;

FIG. 3 is a longitudinal section view showing threaded mounting of thesuppressor mounting adapter to the threaded muzzle end of a firearmbarrel;

FIG. 4 is an isometric illustration showing the rear portion of asuppressor mounting adapter that is threaded to the threaded muzzle endof a firearm barrel and serves as a secure properly aligned supportstructure for the sound and flash suppressor of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is an isometric illustration showing in greater detail theannular ratcheted rim surface at the rear portion of the muzzle brakedevice of FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 is an isometric illustration showing a housing mounting adapterthat is incorporated within the suppressor of FIG. 1 and serves todefine a mount for the generally cylindrical housing of the suppressor;

FIG. 7 is an isometric illustration showing in greater detail, theannular internal geometry of the locking collet portion of the housingmount structure of the suppressor of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is an elevation view showing the rear end portion of thesuppressor mounting adapter

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary elevation view showing in greater detailinterlocking serrations that are provided on internal surfaces of thespring collet fingers to secure a locking ring against inadvertentloosening rotation during firearm use;

FIG. 10 is a is an isometric illustration showing front and sideportions of the suppressor mounting adapter of FIGS. 2 and 6;

FIG. 11 is a fragmentary isometric illustration showing the rear outerperipheral portion of the suppressor mounting adapter of FIGS. 2 and 6and emphasizing the annular ratcheted rim surface that constitutes aportion of the ratcheted collet locking mechanism;

FIG. 12 is an isometric illustration showing a collet mechanism havingan annular array of flexible collet fingers for gripping engagement withthe annular ratcheted rim surface that is shown in detail in FIGS. 8 and9;

FIG. 13 is a fragmentary isometric illustration showing an internalportion of the collet mechanism of FIG. 10, particularly showingflexible spring fingers with internal serrations of the suppressormounting adapter of FIGS. 2 and 6 ns for establishing non-rotatablelocking relation with the annular ratcheted rim surface; and

FIG. 14 is an isometric illustration showing the forward end portion ofthe suppressor of FIG. 1 as having circular arrays of gas exhaust portsfor primary and secondary exhaust passages and showing a flash hiderstructure being defined by the forward wall of the housing structure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring now to the drawings and first to FIG. 1, a sound and flashsuppressor embodying the principles of the present invention is showngenerally at 10 and includes a generally cylindrical housing 12 havingat least one annular intermediate structural ridge 14 to enable thehousing to withstand the internal pressure that occurs when a firearmcartridge is discharged. The structural ridge and other externalenlargements of the suppressor housing are knurled as shown at 15 tofacilitate ease of rotational assembly as the suppressor is threadedonto a suppressor adapter of a firearm barrel. The housing is alsostrengthened against damage by cartridge gas pressure by structurallysound annular enlarged end sections 16 and 18 which are also externallyknurled. The sound and flash suppressor 10 is shown in FIG. 1 to memounted to the forward or muzzle end of a gun barrel 19 to which asuppressor mounting adapter 20 is secured.

Within the suppressor housing 12 there is provided a number of internalbaffle members and spacer members that are arranged to process thepropellant gas that is suddenly released from the bore of the gun barrel19 into the suppressor. Such gas processing causes the duration ofcartridge gas flow through the suppressor to be lengthened for thepurpose of minimizing the sharpness and loudness of the sound that isreported from the suppressor. The suppressor is also designed withinternal structural features that define internal primary and secondarygas flow passages that divert a portion of the propellant gas enteringthe suppressor chamber to a secondary gas flow passage system so thatthe back-pressure of the cartridge gas and its contaminants aresignificantly minimized and result in minimal propellant gas blow-backtoward the shooter when the bolt is opened to extract a spent cartridgecase. This feature is set forth in U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/811,257 which was filed on Jul. 28, 2015 by Mark C. LaRue, and isincorporated by reference herein for all purposes.

To mount the sound and flash suppressor 10 to a firearm barrel 19, asuppressor mounting adapter is shown generally at 20 in FIGS. 2, 3 and10. The suppressor mounting adapter 20 defines an annular rear endportion 22 having an annular rim 23 and defining rearwardly facinginternal receptacle 24 that is defined in part by an internal generallycylindrical surface 26 and by an internally threaded section 28. Theinternal receptacle 24 is adapted to receive the muzzle end of thefirearm barrel 19 and to be threaded onto an externally threaded endsection 33 of the barrel 19. Tool flats 31 are provided on thesuppressor mounting adapter 20 to facilitate application of sufficienttorque force by means of a wrench to seat a circular shoulder at the endsection of the firearm barrel tightly against an annular internal stopshoulder 32 of the internal receptacle 24 as shown in FIG. 2. Aninternal transverse wall 34 of the mounting adapter 20 defines a bulletport 36 which is of sufficient dimension that a bullet propelled fromthe bore of the firearm barrel 19 will pass unimpeded through the bulletport. Cartridge gas transition from the primary suppressor chamber tothe secondary suppressor chamber is aided by ports 38 in the wallstructure of the baffles and spacers and by ports 39 in the wallstructure of the suppressor mounting adapter 44 as shown in FIG. 2

The suppressor mounting adapter 20 further defines an externallythreaded section 40 which receives the internally threaded section 42 ofa housing adapter that is shown generally at 44 in FIG. 2. Theinternally threaded section 42 of the housing adapter is located betweentapered external gas sealing shoulders 46 and 48 of different diameterwhich are disposed for sealing engagement with correspondingly taperedinternal sealing surfaces 50 and 52 that are defined within thesuppressor housing adapter 44. When the housing adapter 44 is threadedonto the suppressor mounting adapter 20 to its full extent the taperedsealing surfaces function to withstand cartridge gas pressure andminimize any potential for fouling of the threaded connection bycartridge gas pressurized gunpowder residue. The sealing surfaces alsoprevent leakage of cartridge gas from the rear portion of thesuppressor, thus providing additional protection of the shooter. Theengaged thread connection of threads 40 and 42 is also protected againstpropellant pressure induced cartridge gas fouling by an annular sealmember 41 that is located within an annular seal recess of the housingadapter. The axially spaced tapered sealing surfaces of the suppressormounting adapter 20 and the housing adapter 44 also serve to ensureprecision alignment of the suppressor 10 with respect to the barrel 19of the firearm, thus ensuring that projectiles passing through thesuppressor do not come into contact with the ports or any other internalstructure of the suppressor.

The generally cylindrical tubular housing 12 has an internally threadedsection 54 that is defined within the housing enlargement 16 withinwhich is received an externally threaded section 58 of the housingadapter 44. The housing enlargement provides the housing structure withenhanced structural integrity for resisting the internal pressure spikesto which the housing is subjected when each cartridge is fired. Thisfeature permits the rear end portion of the suppressor housing to bethreaded onto the housing adapter. An annular seal member 60 is retainedwithin an annular external seal groove 62 of the housing adapter 44 toprovide the suppressor mechanism with additional protection to minimizethe potential for contamination of the suppressor by water, dust and thelike especially during use in field conditions.

As mentioned above, it is a feature of the present invention to providethe sound and flash suppressor with separate primary and secondary gasflow passages to ensure lower internal pressure within the suppressorand to minimize the blowback condition that normally occurs when thebore and cartridge chamber are under significant cartridge gas pressurewhen the bolt is unseated and begins to move rearwardly followingdischarge of a cartridge. Within a gas processing chamber 64 of thesuppressor housing 12 are located a plurality of baffles and spacerssuch as shown at 66 in FIG. 2 which have external projections 68 and 69that engage the internal wall surface 71 of the suppressor housing anddefine an annular space 70 that functions as a secondary gas flowpassage. The annular external projections 68 are interrupted at severallocations along their annular length and collectively define flowpassage sections to permit gas flow past the external projections andthrough the annular space 70.

While the central passage or gas processing chamber 66 within thesuppressor housing 12 represents a primary gas flow passage, asmentioned above, it is desirable to minimize the internal pressurewithin the suppressor to minimize backpressure and to promote as muchsound suppression as possible. This feature is accomplished by divertinga portion of the cartridge gas entering the suppressor from the bore ofthe gun barrel 19 to a secondary flow passage that is also definedwithin the suppressor housing. The annular space 70 that is definedbetween the inner surface 71 of the suppressor housing 12 and theexternal surfaces 72 of the plurality of baffles and spacers 66 definesa portion of the secondary gas flow passage.

An annular internal gas diversion chamber 74 is defined within thesuppressor housing by an annular external groove of the housing adapter44 and by the internal wall surface of the enlarged and structurallyenhanced portion of the suppressor housing. This annular internalchamber is communicated by the bullet port 36 and other gas transferports 76 of the suppressor mounting adapter 20 with the primary gas flowchamber 64. A portion of the cartridge gas flowing from the bore of thegun barrel 19 into the suppressor mounting adapter and into the gasprocessing chamber 64 is diverted into the annular chamber 74 via thegas transfer ports 76. The diverted gas flow then passes from theannular chamber 74 into the annular space 70 as shown by flow arrows inFIG. 2 and is caused to flow to the front or discharge end of thesuppressor. At the forward end of the suppressor housing 12, thecartridge gas of the primary gas flow path or passage is discharged at acentral discharge opening 78 shown in FIGS. 1 and 14 that is partiallyenclosed by a segmented flash hider structure 80 that projects forwardlyfrom a front closure member 82. Cartridge gas within the secondary flowpath is discharged forwardly via a multiplicity of secondary gasdischarge ports 84.

The housing adapter 44 is typically assembled with the suppressorhousing 12 by simply assembling the externally threaded section 58 ofthe housing adapter into the internally threaded section 54 of the rearend portion of the suppressor housing. Housing adapter and housingassembly is complete when an annular stop surface 86 defined by the rearend of the suppressor housing establishes seated contact with an annularstop shoulder 88 at the circular outer portion of the housing mountingadapter.

For attachment of the sound and flash suppressor 10 to a firearm barrel,the suppressor mounting adapter 20 is first installed by engaging theinternal threaded section 28 of the suppressor mounting adapter with acorresponding externally threaded section 30 of the firearm barrel asshown in FIG. 3. A simple wrench is engaged with the wrench flats 31 toapply the necessary torque force to firmly seat the suppressor mountingadapter onto the externally threaded muzzle end of the firearm barrel19. With the suppressor mounting adapter secured in place, the housingadapter member, shown in the isometric illustration of FIG. 6, isthreaded onto the externally threaded section 40 of the suppressormounting adapter as shown in FIG. 2. When the housing adapter isthreaded onto the suppressor mounting adapter to its maximum extent,such as by simply rotating the suppressor housing assembly to make upthe thread connection 40 and 42, the internal tapered sealing surfaces50 and 52 of the suppressor housing adapter will establish positivesealing engagement with the corresponding external tapered sealingsurfaces 46 and 48 of the suppressor mounting adapter 20.

As also mentioned above, it is desirable to provide the sound and flashsuppressor with means for ensuring that the suppressor is easily lockedin assembly with a gun barrel and that it will not become loosened bysustained fire or by handling of the firearm in field conditions. Thesuppressor mounting adapter 20 defines an annular rim 90 having an outercircular surface 92 that is roughened. Though the roughened circularsurface 92 may have any desirable surface configuration providing anon-slip character, FIGS. 4 and 5 show the roughened surface to have aratcheting configuration 94 that is defined by a multiplicity of grooves96 and ridges 98.

The housing adapter, shown particularly in FIGS. 2, 6, 12 and 13,defines an annular locking and retaining array 100 of resilient lockingor clamping finger members 102. Each of the resilient spring lockingfinger members 102 is of curved configuration and is integral with thehousing adapter structure. Each of the locking finger members isattached to the housing adapter by a small centrally located flexibleconnecting structure 104, each locking finger member being partiallyseparated from the housing adapter by slots 106 and 108 that extendlaterally from longitudinal slots 110 between each of the spring lockingfingers 102.

The annular array of spring locking fingers collectively defines agenerally conical outer surface 112 as shown in FIG. 6, the generallyconical surface being interrupted at substantially equal locations aboutits' circumference by the longitudinal slots 104 thus causing theannular array to have a plurality of moveable spring fingers ofsubstantially equal width. The rearmost interior edge of each of thespring locking fingers is provided with a ratcheted surface 114 that isdefined by a multiplicity of grooves 116 and ridges 118 as shown in theenlarged isometric illustration of FIG. 7. The ratcheted surface 114 ofthe housing mount adapter 44 interfaces with the external ratchetedsurface 94 of the suppressor mounting adapter 20 when the spring fingersare forced inwardly, thus preventing relative rotation of the housingadapter 44 relative to the suppressor mounting adapter 20 and preventingthe suppressor from becoming loose or becoming separated from the gunbarrel 19 during use of the firearm.

To accomplish locking or ratcheting movement of the spring fingers 102,the housing adapter 44 defines an externally threaded section 120 thatis positioned for threaded engagement by an internally threaded section122 that is defined within an annular locking member 124. The annularlocking member 124 defines a forwardly extending annular rim or flange126 that extends forwardly over the rear end portion of the suppressorhousing enlargement 56, thus protecting the suppressor housing fromdamage or from fouling by water, dust or the like. The annular lockingmember or locking ring 124 is maintained in captured relation with thehousing mounting insert 44 by means of an inwardly projecting retainerrim 127 that is engaged between the external threaded section 120 and anannular rearwardly facing shoulder 129 of the housing mounting adapter.The inwardly projecting retainer rim 127 is sized to that it can bemoved over the externally threaded section 122 for assembly and removal,but it causes the locking ring to be typically retained by the housingmounting adapter even when completely unthreaded from the housingmounting adapter.

The annular locking member 124 also defines a tapered rear spring fingeractuating section 128 that has a tapered internal lock actuating surface130 having a geometry and dimension for engaging the spring fingers 102and applying sufficient force during threaded assembly of the annularlocking member 124 to the housing adapter 44 to move the spring fingersinwardly and cause the ratcheted internal surface 114 of FIGS. 6 and 7to establish non-rotatable locking engagement with the externalratcheted surface 94 of the annular rim 23 of the suppressor mountingadapter 20. When the annular locking member 124 is tightened onto thehousing adapter, the spring fingers are forced to flex inwardly to theirlocking positions in locking engagement with the outer generallycylindrical locking surface 92 of the annular rim 23, securing thesuppressor against rotation. When the locking member 124 is loosened byopposite rotation relative to the housing mounting adapter the springfingers will return by virtue of their spring characteristics to theiroriginal non-locking or release positions. This releasing movementcauses separation of ratcheted internal surface 114 of each of thespring fingers from the ratcheted external surface 94 of the annular rim23, permitting the suppressor to be unthreaded and removed from thesuppressor mounting adapter of the gun barrel 19, such as for thepurpose of cleaning or for storage when the suppressor is not needed.

In view of the foregoing it is evident that the present invention is onewell adapted to attain all of the objects and features hereinabove setforth, together with other objects and features which are inherent inthe apparatus disclosed herein.

As will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, the presentinvention may easily be produced in other specific forms withoutdeparting from its spirit or essential characteristics. The presentembodiment is, therefore, to be considered as merely illustrative andnot restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by theclaims rather than the foregoing description, and all changes which comewithin the meaning and range of equivalence of the claims are thereforeintended to be embraced therein.

I claim:
 1. A sound and flash suppressor for firearms having a barreldefining a threaded muzzle end, comprising: a suppressor mountingadapter being threaded to said threaded muzzle end of the firearmbarrel; a tubular suppressor housing defining a propellant gasprocessing chamber having gas processing members therein and beingreleasably secured to said suppressor mounting adapter; an annularcollet being defined by said tubular suppressor housing and having aplurality of collet fingers each having a release position and a lockingposition; and a locking member being movably supported by said tubularsuppressor housing and movably actuating said plurality of colletfingers of said annular collet to locking positions thereof locking saidtubular suppressor housing against loosening or separation movementrelative to said suppressor mounting adapter, said locking member beingmoveable in a release direction permitting spring movement of saidspring locking fingers to said release positions thereof.
 2. The soundand flash suppressor of claim 1, comprising: an annular external lockingrim being defined by said suppressor mounting adapter; an internallocking surface being defined by each of said plurality of colletfingers and being disposed for locking contact with said annularexternal locking rim when said plurality of collet fingers are actuatedto said locking positions by said locking member.
 3. The sound and flashsuppressor of claim 2, comprising: an annular external ratchetingsurface being defined by said annular external locking rim; and aninternal ratcheting surface being defined by each of said plurality ofcollet fingers and being disposed for locking engagement with saidannular external ratcheting surface when said plurality of colletfingers are located at said locking positions thereof.
 4. The sound andflash suppressor of claim 1, comprising: a locking thread being definedby said housing mounting adapter; said locking member being a lockingring having threaded engagement with said locking thread and defining aspring finger actuating surface, rotation of said locking ring relativeto said housing mounting adapter causing actuating movement of saidspring locking fingers to and from said locking and release positionsresponsive to the direction of rotation of said locking ring.
 5. Thesound and flash suppressor of claim 1, comprising: said suppressormounting adapter defining an externally threaded section and havingspaced external sealing surfaces with said externally threaded sectionlocated therebetween; and a housing mounting adapter being connectedwith said tubular suppressor housing and having an internally threadedsection engaging said externally threaded section of said suppressormounting adapter and having spaced internal sealing surfaces in sealingengagement with said spaced external sealing surfaces of said suppressormounting adapter when said tubular suppressor housing and said housingadapter are assembled to said suppressor mounting adapter.
 6. The soundand flash suppressor of claim 1, comprising: said gas processing membersbeing a plurality of baffle members and spacer members arranged inserially stacked relation and having tubular walls defining a centralgas processing chamber and serially arranged internal baffle chambersdefining a primary propellant gas flow path through said tubularsuppressor housing; said tubular walls of said baffle members and spacermembers being spaced from said internal wall surface of said tubularsuppressor housing and defining a secondary propellant gas flow paththrough said suppressor housing; and a housing mounting adapter beingconnected with said tubular suppressor housing and defining a bypasspassage communicating said primary propellant gas flow path with saidsecondary propellant gas flow path, said primary and secondarypropellant gas flow paths cooperating to minimize propellant gaspressure within said tubular suppressor housing and minimizing sound andflash discharge from said suppressor.
 7. The sound and flash suppressorof claim 6, comprising: a thread connection being defined by saidhousing mounting adapter with said suppressor mounting adapter andpermitting unthreading separation of said sound and flash separator fromsaid suppressor mounting adapter.
 8. The sound and flash suppressor ofclaim 6, comprising: a thread connection being defined by said housingmounting adapter with said suppressor mounting adapter; and said housingmounting adapter and said suppressor mounting adapter each having spacedseal surfaces being engaged when said sound and flash suppressor isseated in operative position and supported by said suppressor mountingadapter.
 9. The sound and flash suppressor of claim 1, comprising: anexternal thread section being defined by said suppressor mountingadapter; spaced annular external seal members being defined by saidsuppressor mounting adapter with said external thread section beinglocated therebetween; and a housing mounting adapter being locatedwithin said tubular suppressor housing and having an internal threadsection being engaged with said external thread section and havingspaced internal seal members in sealing engagement with said spacedexternal seal members when said tubular suppressor housing is insupported engagement with said suppressor mounting adapter.
 10. Thesound and flash suppressor of claim 1, comprising: a front wall beingdefined by said tubular suppressor housing and defining a centralprimary propellant gas discharge port thro\ugh which propellant gas isdischarged from said primary propellant gas flow path; a flash hidersurrounding said central primary propellant gas discharge port andprojecting forward from said front wall; and a plurality of secondarypropellant gas discharge ports being defined by said front wall andbeing in communication with said secondary propellant gas flow path. 11.A sound and flash suppressor for firearms having a barrel defining athreaded muzzle end, comprising: a suppressor mounting adapter beingthreaded to said threaded muzzle end of the firearm barrel and definingan external thread; a tubular suppressor housing defining a propellantgas processing chamber having gas processing members therein; a housingmounting adapter being secured to said tubular suppressor housing andhaving an internal thread section establishing threaded connection withsaid external thread section when said housing mounting adapter is inoperative engagement with said suppressor mounting adapter; an annularcollet being defined by said tubular suppressor housing and having aplurality of collet fingers each having a release position and a lockingposition; and a locking member being movably supported by said tubularsuppressor housing and movably actuating said plurality of colletfingers of said annular collet to locking positions thereof locking saidtubular suppressor housing against loosening or separation movementrelative to said suppressor mounting adapter, said locking member beingmoveable in a release direction permitting spring movement of saidspring locking fingers to said release positions thereof.
 12. The soundand flash suppressor of claim 11, comprising: said suppressor mountingadapter defining a pair of external spaced seal surfaces with saidexternal thread section located therebetween; and said housing mountingadapter defining a pair of internal spaced seal surfaces with saidinternal thread section located therebetween, said spaced external andinternal sealing surfaces establishing seals preventing propellant gasfouling of said thread sections when said sound and flash suppressor isinstalled on said suppressor mounting adapter.
 13. The sound and flashsuppressor of claim 11, comprising: an annular external locking rimbeing defined by said suppressor mounting adapter; an internal lockingsurface being defined by each of said plurality of collet fingers andbeing disposed for locking contact with said annular external lockingrim when said plurality of collet fingers are actuated to said lockingpositions by said locking member.
 14. The sound and flash suppressor ofclaim 13, comprising: an annular external ratcheting surface beingdefined by said annular external locking rim; and an internal ratchetingsurface being defined by each of said plurality of collet fingers andbeing disposed for locking engagement with said annular externalratcheting surface when said plurality of collet fingers are located atsaid locking positions thereof.
 15. The sound and flash suppressor ofclaim 11, comprising: a locking thread being defined by said housingmounting adapter; said locking member being a locking ring havingthreaded engagement with said locking thread and defining a springfinger actuating surface, rotation of said locking ring relative to saidhousing mounting adapter causing actuating movement of said springlocking fingers to and from said locking and release positionsresponsive to the direction of rotation of said locking ring.
 16. Thesound and flash suppressor of claim 11, comprising: said suppressormounting adapter defining an externally threaded section and havingspaced external sealing surfaces with said externally threaded sectionlocated therebetween; and a housing mounting adapter being connectedwith said tubular suppressor housing and having an internally threadedsection engaging said externally threaded section of said suppressormounting adapter and having spaced internal sealing surfaces in sealingengagement with said spaced external sealing surfaces of said suppressormounting adapter when said tubular suppressor housing and said housingadapter are assembled to said suppressor mounting adapter.
 17. The soundand flash suppressor of claim 11, comprising: said gas processingmembers being a plurality of baffle members and spacer members arrangedin serially stacked relation and having tubular walls defining a centralgas processing chamber and serially arranged internal baffle chambersdefining a primary propellant gas flow path through said tubularsuppressor housing; said tubular walls of said baffle members and spacermembers being spaced from said internal wall surface of said tubularsuppressor housing and defining a secondary propellant gas flow paththrough said suppressor housing; and a housing mounting adapter beingconnected with said tubular suppressor housing and defining a bypasspassage communicating said primary propellant gas flow path with saidsecondary propellant gas flow path, said primary and secondarypropellant gas flow paths cooperating to minimize propellant gaspressure within said tubular suppressor housing and minimizing sound andflash discharge from said suppressor.
 18. The sound and flash suppressorof claim 17, comprising: a thread connection being defined by saidhousing mounting adapter with said suppressor mounting adapter; and saidhousing mounting adapter and said suppressor mounting adapter eachhaving spaced seal surfaces being engaged when said sound and flashsuppressor is seated in operative position and supported by saidsuppressor mounting adapter.
 19. The sound and flash suppressor of claim11, comprising: an external thread section being defined by saidsuppressor mounting adapter; spaced annular external seal members beingdefined by said suppressor mounting adapter with said external threadsection being located therebetween; and a housing mounting adapter beinglocated within said tubular suppressor housing and having an internalthread section being engaged with said external thread section andhaving spaced internal seal members in sealing engagement with saidspaced external seal members when said tubular suppressor housing is insupported engagement with said suppressor mounting adapter.
 20. Thesound and flash suppressor of claim 11, comprising: a front wall beingdefined by said tubular suppressor housing and defining a centralprimary propellant gas discharge port thro\ugh which propellant gas isdischarged from said primary propellant gas flow path; a flash hidersurrounding said central primary propellant gas discharge port andprojecting forward from said front wall; and a plurality of secondarypropellant gas discharge ports being defined by said front wall andbeing in communication with said secondary propellant gas flow path.